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Procedures: Skin


In addition to our wide range of plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Hanz and his staff also provide patients with comprehensive skin care services, including medical and cosmetic treatments to achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin. We strive to help patients protect their skin from cancerous and precancerous lesions using the most effective and minimally invasive treatments available.

All of our skin treatments can be further enhanced with Obagi® Skin Care products, which are available for purchase in our office. To learn more about our skin care services, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic Skin Evaluations

Patients unhappy with the appearance of their skin are encouraged to make an appointment with Dr. Hanz for a personalized skin evaluation, during which the doctor will examine your skin, as well as your medical history. He will take the time to discuss your cosmetic goals with you before developing a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the skin of your dreams. Treatment may include injectable fillers, chemical peels or laser treatments, depending on each patient's individual skin condition.

» Contact us for more information on cosmetic skin evaluations.


Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.

The most common skin cancers are:

  1. Basal cell carcinoma - 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma - 10% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the middle layer of the epidermis.
  3. Melanoma - 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is a rare but very dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential to preventing the cancer from spreading.

» Contact us for more information on skin cancer.


Skin Cancer Screenings

Full-body skin exams are an important tool in screening patients for benign or cancerous lesions that they may not have been able to see or recognize on their own. From head to toe and back to front, we inspect the skin for any suspicious growths. This quick and painless preventive measure is an invaluable tool in the early detection of skin cancer as well as many other dermatological conditions.

» Contact us for more information on skin cancer screenings.


Warts

Warts are a common condition that develops on different areas of the body as a result of infection by a type of human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several different types of warts, which may have a different appearance and tend to occur in different areas. In general, warts tend to appear on warm, moist parts of the body, such as the hands, feet knees and elbows.

Although they can affect anyone, warts are most common in children and young adults, as they are passed through direct contact with an infected area. Warts often appear as small skin growths that may be flat or slightly raised, and can be brown, gray, pink or skin-colored. While warts are not usually considered harmful, they may be painful or embarrassing and should be thoroughly treated. Most warts can be treated through conservative methods such as applying salicylic acid or cantharidin or by undergoing cryotherapy (freezing) treatments.

» Contact us for more information on warts.


Skin Lesions

Skin lesions are noncancerous spots, bumps or patches that may appear on the skin, varying in color, shape, size and texture depending on the type and location. Common lesions may include moles, birthmarks, skin tags and cysts, most of which tend to appear on areas of the skin exposed to the sun.

While these skin lesions are not usually cancerous and do not cause problems unless they are continuously irritated, many people choose to have them removed for precautionary or cosmetic purposes. There are several different ways to effectively remove skin lesions, including freezing, burning and removing with scissors. These treatments are usually effective in removing the growth, but may cause temporary skin discoloration or bleeding. Your doctor will decide which treatment option is best for you.

» Contact us for more information on skin lesions.


Treatment of Malignant and Benign Lesions

Surgical excision is recommended for malignant (cancerous) and certain benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions. This treatment is most effective in thoroughly removing the lesion and ensuring complete cancer treatment. It is also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. In most cases, curettage is performed after the lesion is numbed via freezing or local anesthesia. A small amount of surrounding tissue is removed as well to ensure that all malignant cells are excised.

» Contact us for more information on treatment of malignant and benign lesions.

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